The Centre’s Bright Future

Northern Stories and Values for Sustainability

What happens when the heart of your community is threatened? For fifteen-year-old Jenny, the Northern Star Youth Centre is more than just a building – it’s a vibrant haven, a second home humming with creativity and friendship. Published by the Arts Incubator Winnipeg and the Art Borups Corners Storytelling Club, The Centre’s Bright Future tells the story of how her world is turned upside down when looming funding cuts threaten to close its doors forever.

Faced with the seemingly impossible task of raising fifty thousand dollars in just four weeks, Jenny is unexpectedly propelled into a leadership role. She must learn to unite her diverse, often divided team of friends and peers, navigating tricky personalities and unexpected obstacles. Can she rally her community, mend fractured relationships, and ignite the spirit of the Northern Star before it’s too late? This high-stakes fundraiser isn’t just about money; it’s about preserving a cherished safe space and proving that together, a community can overcome anything.

Perfect for both home and classroom reading, The Centre’s Bright Future includes a thoughtful discussion guide to encourage conversation about its important themes of community, leadership, and resilience. This inspiring story also connects its message to global citizenship and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), making it a valuable tool for fostering empathy and understanding in young readers.

About the Author

Jamie Bell is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and a passionate believer in the power of shared stories. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, his work explores community and connection through creative projects and participatory research. When he’s not behind a pen or a camera, you can find him in the garden, a space where he finds inspiration in the quiet dignity of growth.

Northern Storytelling and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Art Borups Corners Storytelling Club celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of our local Northern Ontario community. This special program ran in the summer of 2025, supported by the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program, The Arts Incubator Winnipeg Hub, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship Program. We extend heartfelt thanks to the Local Services Board of Melgund and the many community members, artists, and creators who made this program possible.

ISBN: 978-1-0698405-4-7

About the Author

Art Borups Corners

Administrator

Art Borup’s Corners is a northern arts incubator based in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario, where community-led creativity, land-based practice, and digital innovation come together. Rooted in the cultural rhythms of the boreal forest and shaped by years of grassroots organizing across Ontario, Manitoba, Nunavut, and Minnesota, Borup’s Corners supports artists, youth, and community members through participatory storytelling, climate-focused projects, and creative entrepreneurship. From wild blueberry walks to immersive exhibitions and applied AI research, our seasonal programs and artist residencies foster connection, skill-building, and self-determined expression—all grounded in place, culture, and care.

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